Iconic ‘70s Rock Band Triumph to Reunite for First Live Show in 17 Years
Triumph will make a surprise return to the stage 17 years after performing their last live show together. The legendary Canadian rockers will perform on Friday, June 6, at Play Alberta Fan Park outside Rogers Place. The show will take place ahead of Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals featuring the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, Loudwire reported.
The band is expected to perform a three-song set that will include their 1979 classic, "Lay It on the Line," which has become the anthem for the Oilers' NHL playoff run. The free concert will also include a full set by the Glorious Sons.
On June 5, Triumph lead singer Rik Emmett shared an Instagram photo of the band rehearsing for the special gig. Many fans were stunned to see the group reunited 17 years after Emmett, bassist Mike Levine, and drummer Gil Moore last played live together at the Sweden Rock Festival and Rocklahoma in 2008.
In 2019, Emmett, 71, told Music Life Magazine that he made the decision to retire from touring after decades on the road.
“I just got to a point where I still love to play, and I don't mind performing, although there is a little more anxiety now than there used to be,” the rocker admitted. “The big thing was travelling. I just didn't want to have to go to all these airports and in and out of hotels and in and out of taxicabs and whatever. …I have retired from the road, but I haven't retired from creativity," he added.
Triumph released 14 albums over their long career, spawning hits such as "Fight the Good Fight" and "Magic Power." In May, the band posted to Instagram to say they were “honored” that “Lay It on the Line” was being featured in ads for the NHL playoffs.
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